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ADDENDA TO HISTORY 



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BY THE 



SURVIVORS' ASSOCIATION 



"AN ACCOUNT FROM THE RANKS." 



PHILADELPHIA, PA.: 

Press of Burk & McFetridge Co., 

306 AND 308 Chestnut St. 

1893. 






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Notwithstanding the time consumed and the care taken to make 
the History of the 12 1st Regiment Penna. Vols, as nearly complete as 
possible, it is now found necessary to publish these addenda, in order 
that a few errors may be corrected and a number of omissions 
supplied. 

The several pages covering the movements of the regiment from 
the time it entered the service until its return to Philadelphia are 
given to correct any inaccuracies of the line of march as traced on the 
map in the front of the book, and these few pages really constitute a 
regimental history themselves. 

" General Order No. 16," announced after the battle of Fredericks- 
burg, was entirely overlooked at the time the history was published, 
although several of those who were honored by being favorably men- 
tioned in said order were also members of the Historical Committee. 
The fact that such an order was published was subsequently brought 
to the attention of the chairman, who, after consulting the Secretary 
of War, succeeded in securing a copy. In justice to all, the order is 
given in full. 

The additional information in reference to Company " I " and 
Company "A" First Penna. Artillery will also prove interesting. 

It is intended that every subscriber to the History shall receive a 

copy of these addenda. 

Wm, W. Strong, 

Villanova, Delaware Co., Pa. 
July 5, i8g4. 



Movements of the 121st Regiment P. V. 



1862. 

Left Philadelphia September 5th. 

Left Washington September 6th, arriving at Camp Chase Sep- 
tember 7th. 

Left Camp Chase September 29th. 

Left Washington September 30th, arriving at Frederick, Md., 
October ist. 

Left Frederick, Md., October 8th, arriving at Sharpsburg, Md., 
October loth. 

Left Sharpsburg, Md., October 26th, and crossed Potomac River 
October 30th. 

Left Lovettsville, Va., November ist, arriving at Warrenton, Va., 
November 7th. 

Left Warrenton, Va., November nth, reaching Fayetteville, Va., 
November i6th. 

Left Stafford C. H., Va., November i8th, going to camp at 
Accokeek Creek. 

Left Accokeek Creek November 22d for Brooke Station. 

Left Brooke Station December 8th for White Oak Church. 

Left White Oak Church December nth for the Rappahannock 
River. 

Crossed Rappahannock River December 12th, 10 a.m. 

Engaged the enemy in Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13th. 

Recrossed Rappahannock River December 15th during the night. 

Left Rappahannock River December 19th for White Oak Church. 

1863. 

Left White Oak Church January 20th on " Burnside's Mud 
March," returning to camp January 25th. 

Moved camp to Belle Plain February 14th. 

Left Belle Plain April 20th for Port Conway and returned 
April 22d. 

Moved camp to near Pollock's Mills April 28th. 

Left Pollock's Mills April 29th for Franklin's Old Crossing over 
Rappahannock River. 



Moved to the right via United States Ford May 2d. 

May 3d to 5th — Battle of Chancellorsvillc. 

Returned via United States Ford May 7th to Fitzhugh Woods. 

Returned to camp at Pollock's Mills May 8th. 

Moved camp to White Oak Church May i8th. 

Left White Oak Church June 12th. 

Left Deep Run June 13th. 

Left Bealeton June 14th. 

Left Manassas Junction June 15th. 

Left Centerville June 17th, stopping at Broad Run. 

Left Broad Run June 25th, crossing Potomac River at Edward's 
Ferry, near mouth of Goose Creek, and reaching Barnesville. 

June 26th. — Moved to Poolesville, crossed Monocacy Creek to 
Adamstown and crossed Catoctin Mountains. 

June 27th. — Moved to Middletovvn, Md. 

June 28th. — Moved to Frederick, Md. 

June 29th. — Moved to Emmitsburg, Md. 

June 30th. — Moved to within six miles of Gettysburg. 

July 1st, A.M. — Moved to Seminary Ridge, northwest of Gettys- 
burg. 

July 1st, 2d and 3d. — Battle of Gettysburg. 

July 6th. — Moved to Emmittsburg. 

July 7th. — Moved to Middletown. 

July 8th. — Moved to and through South Mountain Pass. 

July 9th. — Moved to Boonsboro, Md. 

July 1 2th. — Moved to Funkstown and crossed the Antietam 
Creek. 

July 14th. — Moved to Williamsport, Md. 

July 15th. — Moved to Crampton Gap, South Mountain. 

July 1 6th.— Moved to Petersville, Md. 

July 1 8th.— Moved to Berlin, Md. 

July 20th — Moved to Middleburg, Va. 

July 22d. — Left Middleburg, arriving at Warrenton, July 23d. 

July 30th. — Moved off toward Rappahannock Riv^er, arriving at 
Rappahannock Station, August 2d. 

September i6th. — Moved to Culpeper, Va. 

September 24th. — Moved to Raccoon Ford. 

October lOth. — Moved to Morton's Ford, 

October i ith. — Moved to near Stevensburg. 

October 12th. — Moved to Kelly's Ford, on Rappahannock River. 

October 13th. — Moved to Bristoe Station. 
October 14th. — Moved to Centerville. 



7 

October 19th. — Moved to Thoroughfare Gap. 
October 20th. — Left Thoroughfare Gap and arrived near Bnstoe 
Station, October 24th. 

November 15. — Moved to Cedar Run Bridge. 
December 5th. — Moved to near Bealeton. 
December 6th. — Moved to Pollock's Mills. 
December 24th. — Moved to Culpeper. 

1864. 

February 6th. — Moved to Raccoon Ford, returning to camp at 
Culpeper, February 7th. 

May 4th. — Crossed Rapidan River at Germania Ford and moved 
on to Wilderness Tavern. 

May 5th. — Engaged the enemy in the Wilderness. 

May 6th. — Engaged the enemy in the Wilderness. 

May 7th. — Moved to Spottsylvania, and engaged the enemy at 
intervals until 21st. 

May 2 1 St. — Moved to Guinea Station, 

May 22d. — Moved to Bulls Church. 

May 23d. — Moved to Jericho Ford, and engaged the enemy along 
the North Anna until 26th. 

May 26th. — Recrossed North Anna and moved to Hanover Court- 
House. 

May 29th. — Moved to Bethesda Church, engaging the enemy 
until June 6th. 

June 6th. — Moved to Cold Harbor. 

June 6th to 12th. — Battle of Cold Harbor. 

June 1 2th. — Moved to James River. 

June 1 6th. — Crossed James River and moved on to Petersburg, 
engaging the enemy until June 19th. 

June 20th. — Moved to camp one mile from the works. 

June 2 1 St. — Moved to the front once more. 

July 8th. — Moved to Jerusalem Plank Road and threw up works. 

July 17th. — Moved the line closer up to the rebel works. 

August 15th. — Moved to the rear one mile to camp. 

August i8th. — Moved to Weldon Railroad and tore up the tracks 
and engaged the enemy. 

August 19th. — Engaged the enemy on skirmish line. 

August 20th. — Moved to Yellow House. 

August 2 1 St. — Battle of Weldon Railroad. 

September 12th. — Went into camp near Yellow House. 

September 25th. — Moved into the breastworks. 



R 

September 30th. — Moved to Poplar Grove Church (Peeble's Farm). 
October ist. — Battle of Poplar Grove Church. 
October 27th. — Moved to Hatcher's Run. 
October 28th. — Engaged the enemy. 
October 29th. — Moved to near Peeble's Farm. 
December 5th. — Moved to Weldon Railroad. 
December 6th, — Moved to Jerusalem Plank Road, 
December 7th. — Moved to Sussex Court-House. 
December 8th. — Moved to Nottoway River, tearing up railroad. 
December 9th. — Moved seventeen miles further along the rail- 
road, tearing it up. 

December loth. — Moved towards camp, reaching there December 

1 2th. 

1865. 

February 5th. — Moved to Hatcher's Run. 

February 6th and 7th. — Engaged enemy at Dabney's Mills. 

P'ebruary 8th and 9th, — Picketed near Dabney's Mills, 

February loth. — Returned to camp. 

February nth. — Crossed Weldon Railroad and went into camp. 

March 29th. — Moved toward Dinwiddie. 

March 30th. — Moved to Boydton Plank Road. 

March 31st. — Battle of Boydton Plank Road, 

April 1st. — Engaged enemy at Five Forks. 

April 2d. — Crossed South Side Railroad, reaching Richmond and 
Danville Railroad April 5th, and moving through Jettersville April 6th. 

April 8th. — Moved toward Appomattox, halting April 9th. 

April 9th. — Surrender of Confederate Army. 

April 1 2th. — Left Appomattox, reaching Prince Edward Court- 
House April 13th and F'armville April 14th, 

April 20th. — March resumed, reaching Millville April 21st. 

May 2d. — Moved to near Petersburg, 

May 3d. — Moved through Petersburg. 

May 4th. — Moved to Manchester. 

May 7th. — Moved to Pamunky River. 

May 8th. — Moved to Mattapony River. 

May 9th. — Crossed Rappahannock River, reaching camp six miles 
from Washington, D. C, May 12th. 

May 23d. — Grand review in Washington. 

June 2d. — Mustered out of United States service. 

June 3d. — Left camp near Washington and arrived at Philadelphia 
June 4th. 

June 5th. — Reviewed by General Meade and disbanded. 



The regimental order quoted below will prove of great interest 
to the survivors of the I2ist Regt. Penna. Vols., and is a valuable 
addition to the history of the regiment : — 

War Department, Record and Pension Office, 

Washington City, December 28, 1893. 
W. W. Strong, 

Chairman of the Historical Committee 

of the I2ist Regt. Penna. Vols., 

Philadelphia, Pa. 

Sir : — In reply to your communication of the 26th instant, in 

which you request to be furnished with a copy of the regimental 

order complimenting certain men of the 121st Penna. Vols, for their 

efforts in saving the colors at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., 

December 13, 1862, 1 am directed by the Secretary of War to transmit 

herewith the desired copy. 

Very respectfully, 

F. C. Ainsworth, 

Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief, Record and Pension Office. 

Headquarters I2IST Regt. Penna. Vols., First Brigade, 

Camp near White Oak Church, December 30, 1862. 

General Order, No. 16: — 

The Colonel commanding the regiment takes very great pleasure 
in acknowledging the bravery and discipline of the officers and men 
under his command at the battle of Fredericksburg on Saturday, 
December 13, 1862. It is also a peculiar gratification to him that the 
valor of these officers and men has been recognized by others out of 
the command. 

The commanding officer has requested and obtained from the 
field officers of the regiment and from company commanders in many 
instances a list of those who have particularly distinguished themselves 
in that action. He regrets that from the vague returns of some of the 
company commanders he is unable to do special justice to the men of 
those commands. The following is a list of the distinguished : — 

BY colonel BIDDLE. 

Lieutenant Rosengarten, for gallantry in carrying off safely the 
national colors of the regiment after the fall of the color sergeant. 



10 



BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DAVIS. 



Lieutenant Ruth, of Company " I " ; Lieutenant Pippet, of Com- 
pany " C," for distinguished bearing; Lieutenant Powell, of Company 
" C," for good conduct ; Lieutenant Plumer, of Company " K," for 
good conduct; Sergeant Cowpland, of Company " I," and Sergeant 
Bastian, of Company " G," for good conduct. 

BY MAJOR BIDDLE. 

Captain Ridgway, for resolute and skillful conduct in command 
of his company; Captain Laurie and Lieutenants Raymond and 
Hulse, as deserving of .special notice; Private Bolton, of Company 
" K," wounded in both legs and a prisoner, for gallant conduct. 

BY CAPTAIN RIDGWAY, OF COMPANY "A." 

Second Lieutenant James S. Warner, for coolness and bravery 
in discharge of his duty ; First Sergeant Philander R. Gray, for self- 
possession and bravery in aiding to reform the broken lines, under 
the hottest fire of the enemy; Sergeant Henry H. Herpst, for cool- 
ness in discharge of his duty ; Sergeant Alexander McDowell, for 
bravery ; Corporal John M. Bingham, for bravery ; Corporal Francis 
H. Hilliard, for bravery. 

BY LIEUTENANT ROSENGARTEN, IN COMMAND OF COMPANY " D. " 

Lieutenant Etting, for coolness and promptness throughout the 
action ; Acting Orderly Sergeant William W. Horner, for aiding in 
saving the colors as the line was retiring ; Privates Auguste F. Claus 
and Henry D. Ranch, for good conduct; Private John Galbraith, 
for good conduct. 

BY LIEUTENANT ROBERTSON, COMMANDING COMPANY " E. " 

Sergeant John W. Chittick, for good conduct ; Sergeant William 
G. Meigs, for good conduct ; Corporal William C. Ryall (wounded), 
for good conduct; Corporal Dempsey, for good conduct; Corporal 
McConnell, for good conduct; Private M. Adams, for good conduct; 
Private Francis P. Doherty, for good conduct ; Private Thomas Foley, 
for good conduct ; Private James Higgins, for good conduct ; Private 
John Schaffer, Jr., for good conduct (since died); Private Washington 
Tarr, for good conduct; Private John W. Terrill, for good conduct 
(wounded); Private Daniel H. Weikel, for good conduct; Private 
George W. Miley, for good conduct. 



II 



BY CAPTAIN CLAPP, OF COMPANY " F. 

Lieutenant J. K. Byers, Sergeant Kahl, Corporal Wise, Priv^ates 
R. Swab and L. L. Say, for bravery and good conduct. 

BY CAPTAIN LAURIE, OF COMPANY " B." 

Sergeant G. Keen, Sergeant Wheeler, for good conduct ; Sergeant 
Zimmel, for good conduct; Corporal Wheeler, for good conduct; 
Corporal Stefifan, for good conduct ; Corporal Rylands, for good con- 
duct ; Corporal Slyoff, for good conduct ; Corporal Whaland, for good 
conduct ; Corporal Cummings, for good conduct ; Corporal Hardy, 
for good conduct ; Private Thos. B. Cave, for soldierly conduct. 

BY CAPTAIN WRIGLEV, OF COMPANY " H." 

Second Lieutenant Harrison Lambdin, for gallant conduct ; Pri- 
vate Robert Cummings, who, after being severely wounded and 
ordered to the rear, declined to go and continued fighting until com- 
pelled to leave the field ; Private A. Clay Matthews, for distinguished 
conduct. 

The commanding officers of Companies " I," " C," " G," " K," 
report the general bravery and good conduct of their respective com- 
mands as well as the captains of all other companies. The Colonel 
regrets, however, that he has no means of acknowledging any dis- 
tinguished service in the four companies referred to other than has 
been done, which he would have been most happy to have done had 
he been supplied with the means of particularizing those worthy of 
distinction. 

The Colonel desires to acknowledge the valuable services of the 
field officers who so materially aided him, as also those of the 
Adjutant. He refers with great satisfaction to the services of Surgeon 
Ramsey on the field. 

The memory of the gallant dead who perished on the field will 
ever be held in grateful recollection by their officers and fellow-soldiers. 
The success which they endeavored to earn in common with their 
companions was denied them, but their heroic conduct will not the 
less leave honorable names to their families and friends. 

By order of 

Col. Chapman Biddle. 
Thos. M. Hall, 

Adjt. I2ist Peiina. Vols. 



tofC 



T2 

Official copy, respectfully furnished for the information of W. W. 
Strong. 

F. C. AiNSWORTH, 

Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief of Office. 
Record and Pension Office, 

War Department, December 28, 1893. 



ERRATA. 

Page 6.— A. B. Markward should be B. V. Markward. 

Page 256. — Fifth Corporal William R. McDaniel should be Fifth 
Corporal William T. McDanel. 

Page 282. — Second Corporal Chas. A. Winkworth was promoted 
to Sergeant, date unknown. 

Page 82. — Explosion of the mine in front of the Ninth Corps is 
stated to have occurred July 31st; it should be July 30th, 



Since the publication of the History the following additional 
items of information relative to Company "I" ist Penna. Artillery 
and Company "A" ist Penna. Artillery have been ascertained: — 

COMPANY "I" FIRST PENNA. ARTILLERY. 

August 9, 1844, the following members of Company "I" ist 
Penna. Artillery were appointed Acting Sergeants until an election of 
non-commissioned officers was held : — 

Acting First Sergeant Chapman Biddle. 

Acting Second Sergeant Thomas C. Rockhill, Jr. 

Acting Third Sergeant Stewart. 

Acting Fourth Sergeant Ducachet. 

Acting Fifth Sergeant William E. Evans. 

The following officers were elected on the dates noted : — 

First Sergeant Chapman Biddle, August 26, 1844, and First Lieu- 
tenant November 10, 1846. 

Second Sergeant Lewis S. Ware, August 26, 1844. 

Third Sergeant Thomas C. Rockhill, Jr., August 26, 1844. 

Fourth Sergeant H. W. Ducachet, Jr., August 26, 1844, and Third 
Sergeant March 4, 1845. 

Fifth Sergeant C. I. Biddle, August 26, 1844, Third Sergeant 
July 8, 1845, and Second Lieutenant December i, 1846. 



13 

First Corporal Edward Bacon, August 26, 1844. 

Second Corporal A. G. M. Bowen, August 26, 1844. 

Third Corporal J. B. Beers, August 26, 1844. 

Fourth Corporal F. W. Hemsley, August 26, 1844, First Corpo- 
ral March 4, 1845, Fourth Sergeant July 8, 1845, Second Sergeant 
December 1 1, 1846. 

Henry D. Landis elected Second Corporal September 2, 1845, 
and First Sergeant November 10, 1846. 

John T. Kille elected Third Corporal March 2, 1847, and Second 
Sergeant June i, 1847. 

Thomas C. Rockhill, Jr., elected Second Sergeant March 4, 1845. 

Samuel Wilcox elected Second Corporal March 4, 1845, First 
Corporal September 2, 1845, and Third Sergeant December 11, 1846. 

Richard B. Duane elected Fourth Sergeant March 4, 1845. 

R. C. McMurtrie elected Third Corporal March 4, 1845, and Fifth 
Sergeant September 2, 1845. 

Geo. W. Biddle elected Fourth Corporal September 2, 1845, ^"d 
First Corporal March 3, 1846. 

J. H. Wheeler elected Third Corporal March 3, 1846, and First 
Corporal March 2, 1847. 

M. P. Henry elected Second Corporal March 3, 1846. 

Henry Thouron elected Fourth Corporal March 3, 1846, and Sec- 
ond Corporal March 2, 1847. 

W. T. Wilcox elected Fourth Corporal March 2, 1847. 

H. S. Hagert elected Corporal June i, 1847. 

Henry M. White elected Corporal June i, 1847. 

Hugh Nisbet elected Corporal June 14, 1847. 

Captain John Cadwalader resigned September 8, 1846, and First 
Lieutenant J. H. Markland was elected Captain of the company Octo- 
ber 22, 1846. 

In the list of members of Company "I" ist Penna. Artillery 
T. Richards should be G. Richards, J. B, Barey should be J. B. Barry, 
S. B. Hopkins should be S. B. Hoppin, J. A. Swaby should be Wm. 
A. Swaby, J. M. Kibbin should be J. McKibbin, J. Price should be 
Isaac Prince, Jr. 

The following extracts from the minutes of Company " I " ist 
Penna. Artillery will be read with interest : — 

" At a meeting held on Tuesday, May 12, 1846, at 8 p. m., it was 
announced that at a stated meeting of the Board of Officers of the 
regiment, held on the iith inst, two resolutions were submitted for 
consideration, one of which was passed unanimously, and which was 
in the following terms, viz. : — 



H 

" ' Rcsohcd, That the companies composing this regiment be 
requested to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's 
warning.' 

"The consideration of the other resolution was postponed until 
Friday evening next at 8 o'clock, in order to receive the reports of 
the Captains of the several companies. This resolution was in these 
terms : — 

" ^Resolved, That the Colonel be requested to tender the services 
of the regiment to the President of the United States whenever or 
wherever they may be needed.' 

" Whereupon it was uuanimously 

" 'Resolved, That we cordially respond to the recommendation of 
the Board of Officers and hold ourselves in readiness to follow any 
requisition that may be made upon us for duty — the nature and occa- 
sion of which we leave to be determined by the proper military 
authority.' " 



" At a special meeting of the company, held at the office of 
Chapman Biddle, Esq , on the evening of Monday, May 12, 1848, 
J. H. Markland, Esq., was called to the chair, and H. D. Landis 
appointed Secretary. It was 

" 'Resolved, That the company be and is hereby finally dissolved, 
and that the Secretary be requested to notify Brigade Inspector Firth 
of the same.' 

" On motion adjourned." 

COMPANY "A," 1ST REGT. PENNA. ARTILLERY. 

A meeting, called by Chapman Biddle, was held in his office, 
April 19, 1 86 1, at which a company of artillery was organized, 
and afterwards designated as Company "A," ist Regt. Penna. 
Artillery. 

On May 2g, 1861, at an election, held at the armory of the 
company, the following officers were duly elected : — 

Captain, Chapman Biddle ; Lieutenant, Henry D. Landis ; Lieu- 
tenant, Alexander Biddle ; Lieutenant, Samuel Wilcox ; and com- 
missions, bearing that date, were issued to each of the above officers 
by Governor Curtin. 

On July 16, 186 1, the company, by order of Captain Biddle, went 
into camp at Chadd's Ford, Delaware county, for purposes of instruction. 



15 

where they remained some ten days, all the above-named officers 
being present. 

In August, 1862, on the organization of the 121st Regt. of 
Penna. Vols., Captain Chapman Biddle and Lieutenant Alexander 
Biddle resigned their respective positions as officers of Company "A," 
when an election was held at the armory to fill the vacancies 
occasioned by said resignations, and the following officers were 
elected : — 

Captain, Henry D. Landis ; First Lieutenant, Samuel C. Perkins ; 
Second Lieutenant, Samuel Wilcox. 

/// September, 1862, the Governor issued a call for volunteers to 
aid in preventing the then threatened invasion of Pennsylvania by 
the rebels. This call was almost unanimously responded to by the 
members of Company " A," who proceeded to Harrisburg on the 
14th of that month, where they were mustered into service, under the 
following officers, viz. : — 

Captain, Henry D. Landis ; First Lieutenant, Samuel C. Perkins; 
Second Lieutenant, Samuel Wilcox ; when new commissions, bearing 
that date, were issued to each of the above officers. 

The company proceeded, on the 17th of September, by rail to 
Chambersburg, Pa., when they went into camp some three miles out- 
side of the town, and, in company with some three or four thousand 
other volunteers, went through a severe course of drill and discipline 
for two weeks, when they were ordered back to Philadelphia. 

Ill June, i86j, a second call was issued by the Governor for volun- 
teers to assist in the defence of Pennsylvania against rebel invasion, 
which was responded to by a large number of members of the old 
company, the balance being made up by new men. 

On June 2g, i86j (Sunday), the news published in the morning 
papers that the rebels were marching on Gettysburg, where doubtless 
a great battle would be fought, and, if successful, they would proceed 
to Philadelphia, caused the greatest excitement in the city. 

After a hurried consultation with some of the old members of 
Company "A," who were not able to go out with it on this campaign, 
it was concluded that a company should be at once raised, and placed 
under the command of the United States general officer then stationed 
at Philadelphia. 

By that night fifty men had signed the roll, and, in response 
to notice given in the papers on Monday, forty more joined the 
company. 



NOV 9 laL-' 



16 



The armory was kept open day and night for a week, and drills 
were going on several times each day during that period. 

0}i July 28th, the company of Minute Men paraded as an escort 
to Company " A," who on that day returned home. 

The officers of this company were, viz, : — 

Captain, Samuel Wilcox; First Lieutenant, Charles Vezin ; 
Second Lieutenant, Clement B. Penrose. 




"V^ 



